Module 10: Introduction to Quantitative Analysis I

Thinking Through “Significant” Research Activity

1. Read Michael Desch’s Chronicle of Higher Education article “How Political Science Became Irrelevant” (https://www.chronicle.com/article/How-Political-Science-Became/245777 ). This article is behind a paywall. I will email all students a PDF of this article at the beginning of Week 10. I have also placed a PDF of this article under the announcement tab in Canvas. In 300-500 words, summarize Desch’s argument, and relate it back to the ideas of statistical and substantive significance. State whether or not you agree with Desch and why. In your response, use at least two terms covered in the module (readings and/or videos) and be sure that all terminology used from the module is used correctly. Proofread carefully.
2. Post your response in your Learning Activity Discussion Board.
3. Provide a constructive response to at least one of your fellow group members’ posts. A constructive response is one that (a) uses supportive language to (b) identify for the author an area in which the work can be strengthened. For example, it may identify an issue where the wording is unclear or a point where terminology is used incorrectly, or suggest ideas for examples or ways to strengthen the argument, or let the author know of questions that the work raised for them. A constructive response goes beyond ‘I agree’ or ‘that is interesting’ to assist the author in improving the work. It should provide feedback that is intended to assist the author of the learning activity in improving their work.

Reminder: At the end of Module 12, you are required to select one learning activity for submission from Modules 9-12. You can use the feedback that you receive in the group forum to revise your selected learning activity prior to submission.

alpha (a) level see confidence level.

central tendency the centre of a data distribution; measures include the mode, median, and mean.

central value the numeric representation of the centre of a data distribution; also known as measure of central tendency.

confidence level the probability that the sample statistic is an accurate estimate of the population parameter; also known as alpha level.

frequency distribution a list of the number of cases for all possible values of a variable.

inferential statistics statistics used to determine if sample statistics are representative of population parameters.

mean the arithmetic average, calculated by adding all scores in a distribution and dividing by the total number of cases.

measures of variation statistical measures for the dispersion of scores around the central tendency.

median the value above which and below which 50 per cent of the cases fall.

mode the most frequently occurring value in a distribution of scores.

Type I error the error made when the null hypothesis is incorrectly rejected; also known as a false positive.

Type II error the error made when the null hypothesis is incorrectly retained; also known as a false negative.

univariate involving a single variable.

Note: Unless otherwise stated, glossary source is Berdahl, Loleen and Keith Archer. 2015. Explorations: Conducting Empirical Research in Canadian Political Science (Third Edition). Oxford University Press.